West Routt development a step closer to building

Hayden  A proposed development on the west side of Hayden was again the subject of discussions with town officials Thursday.

The amount of open space and density of the project have been the focus of discussion. Town Board members on Thursday added children's safety as a concern with the project along Dry Creek.

"It's a real concern of mine," trustee Jim Haskins said. "That is going to be a magnet for kids."

Demolition and the grading of property could begin soon. The Hayden Town Board has given approval to a preliminary plat for Creek View Town Homes and Plaza, which calls for 21 entry-level townhomes and a multi-use commercial building. The commercial buildings would be customized for each tenant, and there would be an opportunity to construct residential space on the second level.

The Town Board approved the plat, 4-1, but the Planning Commission has to approve a site plan before construction can begin. The plat addressed subdividing the property into six lots. Hayden's town code requires developers to dedicate a percentage of land to the school district and parks. In lieu of land, the developers likely will give about $22,000 for parks and about $25,000 to the school district.

The development would be on a 3.21-acre parcel south of U.S. Highway 40, east of Dry Creek and west of an alley between Fifth and Sixth streets. A barn, shed and house would be torn down to build the development. Developer Stefanus Nijsten said he has a verbal agreement with someone to reopen the restaurant at the site.

Some trustees were concerned about the number of children that likely would be living in the townhomes next to the creek. Trustees discussed constructing a fence or other barrier to keep children away from the creek, which often floods in the spring.

"We think a fence is more of a hazard than not having a fence," said Chris Corwin, an engineer for the project. Corwin said he would not sign off on the plans if it included a fence. "People get in the creek and then they can't escape because of the fence."

Trustee Ken Gibbon was the only person to vote against the plat. He said it was too dense and was not appropriate for the gateway into town.

"I always get the feeling of a compound and the looks of a compound," Gibbon said.

In other town board business:

Trustees approved doubling the town's contribution to the Greater Routt and Moffat Narcotics Enforcement Team. The town will contribute $4,000.

Trustees approved appointing Tim Frentress to a regional committee that would oversee an economic impact study for a Northwest Colorado Sports Complex.